Much of the time, the preposition “to” or “to” as part of an infinitive verb (for example, “to go"), is unstressed (unimportant). This means that your pitch will be low and you will say it more quickly than stressed (important) words. When this happens, we tend to shorten it so that it is easier to pronounce more quickly. It sounds more like “tuh”, with the vowel “uh” very quick. For example, instead of saying “to go”, it sounds more like “tuh go.” Sometimes, the word “to” actually sounds like “duh” with a light “d, as in the example, “I have duh go.”

Practice the following sentences:1. I’d like to go out for dinner tonight.2. What did you say to him?3. Don’t talk to him that way.4. I can’t drive you to work today.5. John needs you to take him to the doctor this afternoon.6. Why didn’t you get to the meeting on time today?7. Could you take my suit to the cleaners for me?8. I need to ask you a question.9. Can you climb to the top of the tree?10. Come to class to take the exam.